Review

Sharing our faith sounds so easy, yet many of us find it awkward, difficult and challenging at best. We wonder what to say, how to say it, and how we’re coming across as we say it. When is the right time? How can we share effectively? What happens when the person with whom we’re sharing looks at us like we’re from a different planet?

Bestselling authors Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg believe that sharing our faith is essential to unlocking the adventure that God has designed for us. In THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE, they offer an engaging guide to evangelism. Rather than write a book of “How to’s” and “7 easy steps,” they draw on their own adventures in sharing their faith.

They write: “Two of the greatest impediments to diving into the adventure of evangelism are believing you have to be like someone else and thinking you have to do everything on your own. Neither is true. You can be yourself, using the unique style and personality God gave you. And you can partner with other Christians in your church or small group, praying and working together to try to more effectively reach all of your family members and friends for Christ.”

The book is designed like a devotional with 42 days of adventure. Each entry begins with a personal story from the lives of Strobel or Mittleberg of an attempt to share their faith. Sometimes their stories describe an incredible immediate transformation in the listeners’ lives, but other times there’s little to no transformation or even a negative response. Yet that’s one of the most endearing features of the book: the stories are accessible to all of us, and some will make you laugh out loud. Following the story is a brief action principle, followed by a “Stepping into the Adventure” teaching section. The entries conclude with a scripture intended for “Inspiration for the Journey.”

Throughout the book, the authors regularly describe and suggest resources that can equip readers to go further in their personal study and understanding of evangelism. They do this in a non-promotional, sincere way. They also encourage Christians to know what they believe and why they believe it. If you’re going to share your faith, then you need to do your homework. They write, “Self-assurance doesn’t come vicariously from others or through intellectual osmosis. You’ve got to get it the old fashioned way: through serious study.”

Overall, THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE is not only easy to read but also fun to read. It is ideal for small groups or studies who need a jolt to begin looking for opportunities to grow in evangelism and experience the adventure of sharing one’s faith with others. Reading this book will go a long way in helping to prepare and equip you to share your faith with others and answer spiritual questions from the curious neighbor or fellow traveler you happen to encounter.